Opponents In Myanmar Set Up National Unity Government

Opponents of Myanmar’s junta have announced the formation of a national unity government, which includes ousted lawmakers, members of ethnic minority groups and figures in the anti-coup protest.

The announcement on Friday, was made on the Facebook page of the opposition Public Voice Television, which posted a video statement by veteran Myanmar democracy activist, Min Ko Naing.

A second post named the heads of 15 senior posts in the national unity administration with the country’s deposed president, U Win Myint, and detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi retaining their posts.

Also named were heads of various ministries in opposition, from Defence and home affairs to a ministry of international cooperation.

In his address, Min Ko Naing said the will of the people was the unity government’s priority, while acknowledging the scale of the task at hand.

While the politicians were announcing the unity government, other opponents of military rule observed a “silent strike” staying home to mourn those killed.

According to media reports, streets in the main city of Yangon were largely deserted, while black-clad protesters held small rallies in half a dozen cities and towns.

The February 1 coup in Myanmar has opened an unexpected window of opportunity for the various ethnic rebel outfits, to unite in opposition to the army’s rule.

While each ethnic armed group has its own demands, all want a version of federalism, giving them at least some measure of self-governance.

There were no immediate reports of violence but according to media reports, two people were shot and killed overnight in the central town of Myingyan.